Bethesda Community Services in Niagara is set to receive nearly $400,000 from the provincial government as part of a broader $37-million two-year investment in 100 public and private autism service providers.
The funds are meant to help more children with autism and their families access clinical services through the Ontario Autism Program.
The Bethesda grant comes through the Workforce Capacity Fund of the Ontario Autism Program. It provides grants to help providers hire new staff, increase staff hours, train employees, invest in technology and reach remote and rural communities.
“We are grateful to receive this funding through the Workforce Capacity Fund of the Ontario Autism Program, which will allow us to expand access to much-needed Applied Behaviour Analysis services for children and youth,” said Paul McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Bethesda Community Services.
“By strengthening our clinical team and dedicating more resources to family-centred practices, we can ensure that not only are children supported through increased therapy hours, but caregivers are also equipped with the tools and strategies they need to support their child’s growth at home and in the community,” McGowan added.
“This investment will make a meaningful difference for families across our region.”
Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, who heads the municipality in which Bethesda Community Services is based, issued a statement as well.
“We are incredibly grateful for Ontario’s investment in autism services here in Thorold,” said Ugulini. “This support will make a real difference in the lives of children and families across our region. By improving access to early intervention, therapy, and community resources, we are building a more inclusive and compassionate future for every child.”
“This is a vital step toward ensuring that all families in Niagara feel supported, heard and empowered.”
According to local MPP Sam Oosterhoff, since 2019 the Ontario government has doubled the province’s overall budget for the Ontario Autism Program. The total investment for the 2025-26 fiscal year is now $779 million, $150 million more than last year.
“Children with autism and their families deserve real support and I’m proud to say that our government is listening and taking action,” said Oosterhoff. “Our investments here in Niagara and across Ontario will help autism service providers build and retain stable, skilled teams that will allow more families to access the services they need close to home.”
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
